262. How social media algorithms really work with Billy Seol
Oct 2, 2023
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In this episode, software engineer and algorithm expert Billy Seol discusses the significance of social media algorithms, the evolution from chronological to personalized content, and the impact on platforms like YouTube. They also delve into the emotional roller coaster of seeking validation through algorithms and the importance of relationships and better work. The chapter concludes by ranking social media platforms in terms of algorithm importance and emphasizing the significance of email as a platform without algorithms.
Social media algorithms use various data points to tailor recommendations and prevent feeds from becoming predictable.
Tech companies strive to strike a balance between unpredictability and user engagement to enhance the user experience.
Deep dives
The Importance of Algorithmic Recommendations for User Retention
Algorithmic recommendations play a crucial role in social media platforms and apps as they help to enhance user experiences, increase user retention, and facilitate advertising. Companies collect various data points, such as scroll duration, post engagement, and clicks, to analyze user behavior and tailor recommendations. These recommendations introduce variety into users' social media feeds, preventing them from becoming stagnant or predictable. By including content from people users don't follow and introducing a controlled amount of randomness, recommendations make ads feel less intrusive. However, finding the right balance between random and relevant content is crucial to keep users emotionally attached to the platform and engaged with the recommendations.
The Challenge of Trending Content and Real-Time Engines
Tech companies constantly face the challenge of designing algorithms for trending content and real-time engines. They need to ensure that trending topics or breaking news quickly propagate through the platform, without becoming predictable and susceptible to manipulation. If trending algorithms are fixed, people could exploit them by purchasing bots or manipulating keywords to control what trends. As a result, companies continuously experiment with different approaches to adapt to changing circumstances, ultimately aiming to deliver an improved user experience. While unpredictability is necessary, companies strive to strike a balance that keeps users engaged and prevents their timelines from becoming overwhelmingly random.
The Garbage Post Challenge and Finding True Authenticity
The Garbage Post Challenge (GPC) encourages individuals to overcome the desire for immediate validation and algorithmic success by posting a large volume of content. By repeatedly posting and desensitizing themselves to the highs and lows of engagement, participants have the opportunity to explore the real purpose behind their posting habits. GPC aims to help individuals find their unique voice, nurture relationships, and create value rather than solely focusing on chasing algorithmic spikes. While understanding algorithms can provide advantages, such as leveraging new features, ultimately feeling at home and being true to oneself on a platform is key to sustainable success and developing authentic connections with the audience.
Are you worried about social media algorithms just like everybody else? Do you wonder how to beat them?
The world of social media algorithms can feel like a puzzle you just can’t quite figure out.
That’s why this week, I’m speaking to software engineer, life coach, and algorithm expert (who also happens to be my little brother) Billy Seol, who is here to clarify what the heck we should do about it all. He's giving us the lowdown on how social media algorithms really work and the reality of what healthy business growth looks like.